Titans come to Cherbourg to mentor junior league players

CHERBOURG'S Joe Sullivan's future is looking brighter after the 22-year-old took part in the Gold Coast Titans' Achievement Program last year.

The 12-month program is a partnership with the Community Development Employment Program which gives indigenous youth better employment options.

Sullivan said the program had been an eye-opener.

"We got to go to the Gold Coast and had a look at some options and pathways we might want to take," he said.

"We spent a few days at TAFE and I really liked the recreational fitness program.

"I still don't know what path to take but I think being a personal trainer is something I would like to do."

Sullivan said the Titans 4 Tomorrow program was beneficial to indigenous youth.

"It's great for the young fellas to know there are better options out there than drugs and alcohol," he said.

"It gives them a future and something to be interested in."

Titans Indigenous Programs Manager Linda Biumaiwai said the workshops were based around what the participants wanted to do.

"They basically get to write their own program," she said.

"It opens them up to work experience in a range of fields including sport and recreation, hospitality and construction.

"It helps them to develop skills which will make them more employable as well as developing a career pathway."

Ms Biumaiwai said the program was vital because it came from the community.

She said a lot of hard work came from the community and said it was rewarding to be able to deliver the "goods".

"The agenda is set by what they (participants) want to do," Ms Biumaiwai said.

"They organise community barbecues and other events which incorporate the community."

And on Tuesday participants were awarded with a certificate at a graduation ceremony which was attended by Titans players Preston Campbell, Clinton Toopi and Dean Widders.

As a thank-you to the Cherbourg community for its participation and success, the Titans presented the Ration Shed Museum with a signed Indigenous All Stars Team of the Century jersey.